Mind & Heart Newsletter: February 2013

An update from Whitworth University President Beck A. Taylor

At this spring's Opening Convocation, I will have the great privilege of bestowing Whitworth's highest honor on longtime trustee Art Symons, '51. The George F. Whitworth Medal, awarded by the Whitworth Board of Trustees no more than every two years (and awarded only twice in the past 14 years) signifies Whitworth's profound thanks for a life lived in humble fidelity to the university's mission to "honor God, follow Christ and serve humanity." Previous awardees include Frank Warren, Albert Arend, Dorothy Dixon, Clem Simpson, Marty Polhemus, Bill Fix, Franklin and Margie May Ott, and Bill Robinson. Clearly, this is a "Who's Who" list of the most talented, generous, and hardworking members of the Whitworth family. Art's name will now appear in this pantheon of Whitworth's best and brightest, as is only fitting for a man whose life, and whose contributions of time, passion, financial resources and energy, have so greatly influenced the course of the institution he loves. Art and his wife, Glenna, '53, have been very significant donors to Whitworth, contributing nearly four-and-a-half million dollars to the university over the years. The Symonses have also entrusted their daughters' college educations to Whitworth. Art joined the board of trustees 44 years ago. During his tenure on the board, our enrollment has more than doubled, from 1,000 to approximately 2,600 undergrads; the faculty has grown from 50 to 156; a campus that once comprised McMillan, Ballard, McEachran and Warren has grown to include Weyerhaeuser, Boppell, East, Duvall, the HUB, Stewart, BJ, the chapel, the aquatics center, the tennis complex, the revamped Pine Bowl, the westside soccer complex, the softball facility, Robinson Science Hall, and the beginnings of the new campus rec center. The endowment has also grown during Art's leadership – to $100 million – and Whitworth has graduated 15,000 students, many of whom are now active alumni. Art's fellow board members view him as the model for what a trustee should be: a champion for Whitworth, a careful steward of the university's assets, and a person incredibly generous with his own financial resources. I am cognizant that his leadership has been marked by both watchfulness and encouragement, by his careful stewardship of university resources, by an emphasis on building and sustaining the endowment, and in his work as a mentor to our newest trustees. Thank God for Art Symons.

Academics

Five students from the history department worked in the university archives for credit during Jan Term. They produced projects on Whitworth and local history under the direction of Corliss Slack (History) and Janet Hauck (Archives). Corliss also presented a paper this month, "Holy War at Home: Crusade Memorials in Great Britain," and participated in a panel under the auspices of the American Society for Church History at the annual meeting of the American Historical Association, in New Orleans.

Christopher Parkin, '05 (Music), will offer a classical saxophone recital at Whitworth on Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. He will direct a student saxophone orchestra and will play several solo pieces, two of which were written for him by Professor Emeritus Michael Young and Associate Professor Brent Edstrom. Chris will premier these works nationally at the North American Saxophone Alliance conference, in Oregon, this March.

Jerry Sittser (Theology), along with his wife, Pat, spent some time in Bolivia during Jan Term. Both spoke at a missionary conference and then spent several days visiting Whitworth alumni, including Kyle Navis, '09, at the Mennonite Central Committee, in Santa Cruz; Katie Stewart, '09, who is active in a church in Cochabamba and who works in childcare there; and Shelly Humphries and Rachel Longton, both '10, who began as nurses at a Cochabamba hospital but now work with street people. They provide medical care, lead a Bible study in a women's prison, have opened a clinic, and are planning a home for women who want to get off the streets. Jerry and Pat were deeply impressed by these alums who are making a huge difference in the lives of people who need their help.

Raja Tanas (Sociology) and Janet Hauck (Archives) have received a grant, "Muslim Bookshelf Journeys," from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The grant provides the library with 25 books, both fiction and nonfiction, about and by Muslims, as well as three movies, several CDs, and access to a web resource on Islam. Campus programming around the collection will include a symposium featuring Whitworth and EWU faculty, a film viewing sponsored by Whitworth Speakers & Artists, an opening reception at the library, discussions in residence halls led by Jennifer Holsinger (Sociology), and a faculty-and-staff book discussion that Julie and I will host in our home.

Whitworth Forensics competed at the Western Washington University tournament, winning 28 individual awards along with four sweepstakes awards. In the year-long sweepstakes for the Northwest Forensics Conference, the team won its division, defeating rivals including the College of Idaho, Seattle Pacific University and Utah State University. This is the first time in school history that Whitworth has won its division in the year-long competition. Among all 38 NFC teams, Whitworth finished 4th.

The Arts

Seattle-based artist Zack Bent, whose works are currently showing in our Bryan Oliver Gallery, creates sculptures, photographs and videos that are often seen as mythic translations of his home, his family, and his collections of "stuff."

The Whitworth University Jazz Ensemble I will perform at the 46th annual Elmhurst Collegiate Jazz Festival in Chicago this month. The band is one of three that will open the Saturday-evening concert, which features the world famous Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra.

Student Life

During Jan Term, students made great use of area recreation facilities, skiing at Schweitzer and Mt. Spokane and using Wild Walls' indoor climbing gym, thanks to programming from Outdoor Rec. Hypnotists, comics, movies and a water-pong tourney also kept students entertained while the weather outside was frightful. Students celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr., Day by joining the Freedom March in downtown Spokane, and they followed with a dinner on campus celebrating the election of NAACP-Spokane President James Wilburn, Jr., spouse of our own Roberta Wilburn (School of Education). Our Jan Term mini-break gave students a bit of rest before all the excitement of Spring Term began this week.

Campus Ministry

Mark your calendar now for the Whitworth Institute of Ministry, July 8-12. Our theme, "For Such a Time as This: Ancient Christian Wisdom for Postmodern Times," will focus on the changing landscape of ministry that leaves some ministers and church leaders wondering if anything is secure in our theology, our practice, and/or our churches. WIM will address this uncertain and growth-inspiring moment from the perspectives of spiritual formation (James K.A. Smith), scriptural reflection (Jerry Sittser, Karen Peterson-Finch, Jim Edwards), and inspirational preaching (Carolyn Gordon). These plenary speakers will help us renew the rhythms, practices and disciplines of the church in helping Christians remain faithful to Christ and each other. Visit www.whitworth.edu/wim for more information.

Alumni & Parents

Portland-area alumni, parents and friends are invited to a Portland professional networking event on Feb. 21. Tim Wilkinson, Boppell Dean of Whitworth's School of Global Commerce & Management, will moderate a panel discussion with three dynamic Portland-area community and business leaders. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with our staff and faculty and to network with fellow Whitworthians and other professionals. Registration (www.whitworth.edu/alumnievents) closes Feb. 13.

Seattle-area parents, mark your calendars for March 7, for The Mind & Heart Experience, a dessert gathering for parents of current students. Join Vice President Dick Mandeville (Student Life), Heather Rodgers (Business), and Joshue Orózco (Philosophy) for a great opportunity to hear about life at Whitworth in and out of the classroom, and to discuss your questions. Registration information is forthcoming.

Come enjoy dessert with us on campus prior to the March 9 Whitworth Theatre production of The Laramie Project. Director Diana Trotter (Theatre) will introduce you to this powerful story. The dessert and conversation begin at 6:30 p.m.; the performance follows at 7:30 p.m. Reserve your spot at www.whitworth.edu/alumnievents, or call 509.777.3799.

Secure your lodging soon for Commencement Weekend, May 17-19, when members of the classes of 1953, '63, and '73, along with all alums from 1972 and earlier are invited to join us on campus. Whitworth Alumni Award winners will be celebrated at the Saturday banquet. To register or to see a list of hotels, visit www.whitworth.edu/reunions, e-mail alumni@whitworth.edu, or call 509.777.3799.

Admissions

The deadline for high school seniors to submit their applications to Whitworth is March 1. Students can access our online application or the common application at www.whitworth.edu/apply. We will accept transcripts, test scores and letters of recommendation after that date, but the sooner we get a complete application file the sooner we can send out admissions decisions, financial aid awards and other important information.

Incoming freshmen admitted with honors for fall should have received information about an amazing opportunity to study at our Costa Rica Center next Jan Term. This class fills quickly, so don't let a long siesta keep you from applying. (You'd be loco to miss out.) Read more about the program online at www.whitworth.edu/costaricajanterm.

Spring Break is a great time for sophomores and juniors to start visiting college campuses and for seniors to make that final, decisive visit. We have additional "Why Whitworth?" visit days planned during the weeks when most Northwest high schools schedule spring breaks. And individual visits are always welcome, though it's best to avoid our Spring Break (March 25-29) so that you won't miss out on visiting classes, staying in the residence halls, meeting professors, etc. To schedule a visit, go to www.whitworth.edu/visit.

Financial Aid

The financial aid office is reviewing files for new freshmen and transfer students for the upcoming academic year. New students who have filed the FAFSA form by the March 1 deadline will begin receiving their financial aid awards in March. Continuing students who meet the May 1 priority deadline for filing the FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov) will begin to receive their financial aid awards electronically in May and June. Academic scholarships are automatically renewed.

Resources

Many students begin spring semester having just returned from one of Whitworth's fantastic Jan Term study programs. Jan Term trips are part of what makes Whitworth unique as they help our students understand the world in which they will serve and lead. These experiences contribute to the type of education that encourages students to know and serve humanity. For most of our students, a Whitworth degree is only possible because of gifts to The Whitworth Fund. Please make a gift today and help support our students. And thanks again to all of you who help to keep a Whitworth education affordable for our great students.

With Valentine's Day at hand, I am reminded that some Whitworthians met their mates right here. If you are a Whitworth couple, we hope you'll consider making a gift to help us as we strive to meet our alumni participation goal. As married alumni, your one gift counts for two! Thanks so much.

Sports

Men's swimming ended the dual-meet season with a record of 7-2 overall and 6-1 in the Northwest Conference. The Pirates' 90-straight dual-meet winning streak against NWC opponents came to an end with a close 133-129 loss at Whitman. The winning streak stretched back 14 seasons. (FOURTEEN SEASONS!) But the good news for Whitworth is that the dual-meet season doesn't have any impact on final championship determination. The Bucs can still win their 11th NWC championship in a row at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way.

Women's swimming went 8-1 overall and 7-0 in the NWC in dual meets this season. The Pirates are a strong favorite to reclaim the NWC title. Alisa Stang, '15, has been dominant this winter in the sprint freestyle events.

Men's basketball is 20-2 overall and 11-1 in the NWC after a killer loss at Whitman last night – the Bucs' first loss after a 20-game win streak. Despite that setback, the Pirates are nearing their fourth consecutive regular season NWC crown – their sixth in the last seven years. Guard Dustin McConnell, '15, leads the team in scoring average this season.

Women's hoops currently stands at 16-6, 9-4 in conference. The women have nearly clinched a spot in the conference tournament already, and they still have a shot to challenge for the NWC regular-season crown. None of Head Coach Helen Higgs' players are averaging even 10 points per game, but six Pirates average between 7.1 points and 9.2 points per game.

Indoor track and field is off and running (heh), and the Pirates have already posted solid performances in meets at Washington State and the University of Idaho. Chibron Tomeo, '15, broke his own school record in the pole vault by clearing 15'-9" in the first meet of the season.

Spring sports are all set to get under way. Men's tennis has already played Eastern Washington University in its first match, while the softball team opened up with six games in California last weekend. Baseball and women's tennis will open later in February, and golf will resume in March.

Closing Thoughts

I'm preparing to board an airplane back to Spokane from Washington, D.C., where I've spent nearly a week reminding members of Congress and other policymakers that higher-education appropriations are investments in the future rather than simply federal expenditures. The data are just irrefutable that a college degree is still a wise investment for individuals and for our country as a whole. And the opportunities for those investments extend especially toward particularly needy students. More than 750 current Whitworth students receive approximately $2.9 million in Pell Grants and an additional $1.4 million in campus-based federal grants, work-study and Perkins loans used to support Whitworth students. In addition, $20.5 million in Stafford and Parent loans are also federal resources available to our families. The "fiscal cliff" has quickly become the "fiscal mountain range," with looming, sequential deadlines around sequestration, debt ceilings and budgets, but my hope is that our legislators will see access to higher education as a critical pathway for our nation's economic recovery. Our students are depending on it. Thanks for always keeping them in your prayers.